2007 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,003 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 53 involved a crash and 37 involved a fire. 41 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Campaign 16V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 19, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Campaign 16V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 28, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Campaign 13V383000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 2, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 12V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 21, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 11V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,003 reports, newest first.
Seat belts, Jul 23, 2010, crash
ON JULY 20, 2010 I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WHEN I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER CAR AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. MY SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN ME AND I HIT MY HEAD, REQUIRING STITCHES AND A CAT SCAN. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A COLLISION CENTER WAITING TO BE EVALUATED. I HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY HAD ANY INCIDENTS WHERE MY SEAT BELT HAD A REASON TO RESTRAIN ME, SO I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT OR A POSSIBLE SEAT BELT DEFECT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 21, 2010
WE HAD A TOYOTA RAV4, BOUGHT NEW IN 2007. WE HAD ABOUT 5200 MILES ON IT, WHEN, ON MAY 19 ,2010, WHILE PARKING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, I PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE , WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SURGED, THE RPMS WENT ABOVE 5000, AND IN SPITE OF MY PRESSING HARD ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SHOT OVER 1YARD OUT THE GARAGE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED AT THIS HIGH SPEED . I USED THE KEY TO SHUT IT DOWN. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH SHONE WITH AN UNUSUAL BRIGHTNESS DURING THIS EVENT. I CALLED THE DEALER, METRO TOYOTA, AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR IN, WHICH I DID , LATE IN THE DAY. THE NEXT DAY, THEY CALLED ME, TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, AND THAT THE REASON OF THE ACCELERATION WAS THE "RUG". THE RAG WAS REMOVED, AND I PICKED UP THE CAR. OBVIOUSLY, I DROVE IT HOME WITH GREAT CARE. THE NEXT DAY, IN TRAFFIC, I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, WITH A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME, DOWN A LITTLE SLOPE ON THE ROAD. I KEPT A SAFE DISTANCE OF 3-4 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE CAR AGAIN SURGED, BUT I MANAGED TO CONTROL IT BARELY AVOIDING REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME .VERY EARLY NEXT MORNING, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS KEPT FOR OVER 2 WEEKS, NO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR WAS DONE, WITH THE WORD THAT THE CAR CHECKED OK. *TR
Structure, Jul 10, 2010
DRIVER'S SIDE SUNVISOR ON 2007 RAV4 WILL NOT STAY IN FOLDED UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VISOR FLOPS DOWN IMPEDING VISION WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Visibility, Jun 30, 2010
BACK GLASS BROKEN ON TOYOTA RAV 4 ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. LARGE HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS. NO SIGNS OF VANDALISM OR "OUTSIDE INFLUENCES". TWO OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AFTER THUNDERSTORMS. TOYOTA REFUSES TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS. ENTIRE BACK GLASS HAD TO BE REPLACED EACH TIME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 24, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE BRAKING FROM A SPEED OF 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION, THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 22,000. UPDATED 8/2/10 *CN THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/09/10*JB
Steering, Jun 20, 2010
I 'D LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPAIR THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE PROBLEM, (PLEASE SEE T-SB-0318-08 OCTOBER 20, 2008). IF THE VEHICLE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES AT NO COST. HOWEVER, THE COST IS NOT COVERED IF THE VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN 36,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PROBLEM DID NOT SHOW UP ON MY CAR UNTIL AFTER 36,000 MILES. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COST TO FIX THIS TOYOTA PART DEFECT WILL BE OUT OF MY POCKET, AND IT'S VERY SUBSTANTIAL ($890) . I'M AFRAID THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY CREATE POTENTIAL STEERING PROBLEM THAT WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Steering, Jun 19, 2010
PURCHASED A NEW 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 FROM MCGEORGE TOYOTA IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. IN MID 2009 THE STEERING STARTED TO MAKE A NOISE. HAD TO TAKE THE CAR THRICE TO THE DEALER BUT FINALLY THEY SAID THERE IS A BULLETIN FOR THE ISSUE AND REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNDER WARRANTY. DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE COMPLAINED AND TAKEN THE CAR BACK MANY TIMES SINCE BUT THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY ACTION. THE SOUND IS GETTING LOUDER AND AN ARTICLE IN THE RICHMOND TIMES 05-11-10 INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH MANY OF TOYOTA MODEL SUV'S. THE DEALER NOW CLAIMS THAT ALL RAV4'S AND TOYOTA MINIVANS MAKE THE NOISE AND IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I AM CONCERNED SINCE MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND IT IS VERY DISCONCERTING. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2010
I HAVE BEEN VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH PROBLEMS ARISE WITH THE STEERING COLUMN THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE CONCERNS FOR MANY CUSTOMER WHO HAVE OWNED RAV 4 AND TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE OR EVEN LETTING THE CUSTOMERS BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT STARTS OFF AS A CLUNK SOUND WHEN YOU TURN RIGHT OR LEFT OR WHEN YOU ARE BACKING UP, IT STARTED FOR AROUND 32,000 BUT DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM UNTIL I PUSHED THE ISSUE. BY THAT TIME IT WAS JUST PASTED THE WARRANTY (37000 MILES). *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 4, 2010
OEM BATTERY DIED. VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED. DURING SUBSEQUENT OPERATION POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING DIFFICULTY STEERING VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, May 22, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 STEERING COLUMN (INTERMEDIATE SHAFT). THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT BY TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE ISSUED A TSB IN 2008. ONLY HAVE 16.5K MI. (LOW). DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANT (BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2006). *TR
Steering, May 20, 2010
CLUNKING SOUND WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. TOYOTA ISSUED TSB 0318-08 REGARDING ISSUE AND HAS PER THE TSB "A NEW INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION." DESPITE WIDESPREAD FAILURE OF STEERING LINKAGE MECHANISM TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE PART AT NO COST TO CONSUMER. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, May 19, 2010
MY 2007 6 CYL RAV4 HAS UNDER 30K MILES ON IT. WAS FINE AND AFTER SITTING UN-DRIVEN IN MY GARAGE FOR 3 WEEKS, NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC, AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHTS STAY ON. THE TRANSMISSION NO LONGER SHIFTS INTO OVERDRIVE (STAYS IN 4TH GEAR) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RANDOM DELAYED ACCELERATION WHEN MAKING SLOW SPEED TURNS (USUALLY AT INTERSECTIONS OR PASSING IN SLOW MOVING RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC) RESULTING IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION. NO ACCIDENT - YET. HAVE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALER LOOK AT IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2010, crash
MAY 5, 2010 ACCIDENT. TOYOTA RAV4 2007 ACCELERATED. AT TIME OF ACCELERATION I HAD ALREADY BEGUN BRAKING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. ENGINE BEGAN LOUD RACING AND CAR ACCELERATED. WITH VERY LITTLE ROOM TO MANEUVER I TURNED CAR HARD RIGHT TO AVOID CARS AND RAN INTO A LARGE TREE WITH CAR STILL ACCELERATING STOPPING ONLY WHEN HITTING TREE AND BOUNCED OFF. WHEN CAR CAME TO A STOP ENGINE WAS STILL RACING AND VERY LOUD. THE ACCIDENT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY SO POLICE WERE NOT CALLED. WITNESS OBSERVED SLOW DOWN AND TURN SIGNALS AND THEN SEEING CAR BEGIN ACCELERATING VERY QUICKLY. 2ND WITNESS THAT HEARD THE NOISE OF THE CRASH CAME OUT OF HOUSE AND WAS ALARMED AT THE LOUD RACING STILL COMING FROM THE ENGINE AFTER CAR HAD COME TO A STOP. ENGINE RACING DID NOT STOP UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF. ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF LESS THAN A MINUTE AFTER ACCELERATION BEGAN AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE HANDS OFF OF WHEEL TO ATTEMPT PUTTING INTO NEUTRAL OR TURN ENGINE OFF. CAR ESTIMATE WAS $14,000 WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE THE NEW ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED SO IT WAS TOTALED. INJURIES SUSTAINED BY ME INCLUDE SEVERE BRUISING, SORENESS AND BURN LIKE ABRASIONS ACROSS NECK AND RIGHT ARM FROM SEAT BELT. A CONCUSSION DUE TO HEAD AND NECK BEING THROWN BACK WARD AND FORWARD ON IMPACT. REMAINING SYMPTOMS INCLUDE DIZZINESS, NAUSEA, HEADACHES, COGNITIVE ISSUES. THIS WAS 2ND EXPERIENCE OF ACCELERATION PROBLEM. FIRST INCIDENT 2 WEEKS PRIOR, LASTED LESS THAN 30 SECONDS WITH NO ACCIDENT AND CAR RESUMED PREVIOUS SPEED BEFORE ACCELERATION. CAR HAS HAD FULL MAINTENANCE WITH DEALER SINCE PURCHASE AS A NEW CAR. NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS. CAR HAS NEVER REQUIRED ANY REPAIR OTHER THAN A TIRE AND ALL MAINTENANCE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2010
THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND RACED WHILE DRIVING INTO NEWPORT NH IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS AN EMPTY PARKING LOT TO TURN INTO OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IS A TOYOTA RAV 4 BOUGHT NEW IN JUNE OF 2007 AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, AND IT WAS BEFORE THE NEWS OF THE TOYOTA PROBLEMS SURFACING.. SINCE THEN IT HAS REPEATED THIS 8 TIMES THROUGH APRIL OF 2010, COMPLETELY RANDOMLY. IT HAS BEEN TO TWO NH DEALERSHIPS (ABOUT 20 HOURS OF INSPECTIONS/ DIAGNOSES) AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IN FACT TOYOTA HAS TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING FURTHER THEY CAN DO AND IF THE CAR IS INDEED DANGEROUS OR AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN THAT IS MY PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT I AM NOT SURE THEY BELIEVE ME BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE DEFECT IS VERY REAL AND THE LAST TIME IT OCCURRED ON APRIL 5 THERE WERE TWO PEOPLE IN THE CAR WHO SAW IT FIRSTHAND AS IT HAPPENED TWICE THAT DAY. ADDITIONALLY I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE CAR AS I CAN'T SELL IT WITH THIS KIND OF DEFECT AND MY WIFE WILL NO LONGER DRIVE IT. LOANING THE CAR TO ANYONE ELSE BECOMES A LIABILITY AND DRIVING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN OR ELDERLY FOLKS IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. FRANKLY I HAVE BEEN HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA'S RESPONSE WHICH HAS BEEN SLOW OR NON RESPONSIVE UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN THEY INFORMED ME THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING PROPERLY AND THAT ARBITRATION IS MY ONLY RECOURSE. THE CAR HAS 22000 AND IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Visibility, May 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE SUNROOF, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF WOULD NOT SLIDE BACKWARDS AND WOULD ONLY MOVE IN THE UPPER TILT POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A BURNING SMELL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO USE THE SUNROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CASE HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.
Air bags, May 7, 2010, crash
TL - THE DRIVER OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER HAD BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AS OF THE TIME OF THE REPORT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 36,250. VWB
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED HER THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REPAIR HER VEHICLE AND THAT SHE SHOULD RETRIEVE IT FROM THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 49,411.
Vehicle speed control, May 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT 2 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 16,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN A CRASH. ONE OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WAS INJURED HOWEVER, THE POLICE DID NOT ARRIVE TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,000.
Air bags, Apr 28, 2010, crash
MY TEENAGE SON LOST CONTROL OF MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. I BELIEVE THE CAR HIT THE TREE AT AN ANGLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT AREA. HE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH SPEEDING, BUT I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW FAST HE WAS GOING. THREE OF HIS FRIENDS WERE IN THE CAR, ALL WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUFFERED A SERIOUS CLOSED HEAD INJURY, BROKEN LEG AND ARM, AND A PUNCTURED LUNG. THE DRIVER HAD A BROKEN CLAVICLE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE BACKSEAT PASSENGER BROKE HIS PELVIS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND TORSO AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH I SUSPECT CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER TO BE MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE CAR IS DEMOLISHED FROM THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT AREA TO THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED BEFORE AND NO AIRBAGS HAVE EVER DEPLOYED BEFORE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE PEOPLE WHO REGULARLY DROVE THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING. AFTER APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AFTER SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES BETWEEN THE CONTACT AND THE OTHER THREE DRIVERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2010
THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED SINCE I OWNED THE VEHICLE. MORE THEN HALF THE TIME WHEN I STEP DOWN ON THE GAS HARD, MY VEHICLE NEARLY STALLS, SEVERE HESITATION, THEN SLOWLY RECOVERS AND APPLIES POWER. THIS WOULD BE WHEN YOU HAVE TO PASS A CAR ON A TWO LANE ROAD OR MERGE INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. IT IS HARD TO KNOW IF IT WILL BE THERE WHEN I NEED IT OR IF I WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE ENGINE TO CATCH UP. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT MULTIPLE TIMES; THEY HAVE TEST DROVE IT, HAD A FACTORY REP. LOOK AT IT AND AT COMPUTER PRINTOUTS. THEY ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT DON'T SEEM TO KNOW HOW OR WANT TO FIX IT. I THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT IT, SINCE THE INFORMATION COMING OUT NOW IS TOYOTA SEEMS TO LIKE TO HIDE THE SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE I CAN'T DEPEND ON THE VEHICLE WHEN I MIGHT MOST NEED IT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2010
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR SERVICED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 23,000.
Visibility, Apr 19, 2010
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 THE LEFT SIDE PASSANGER WINDOW IMPLODED CAUSING THE BACK SEAT TO FILL WITH THOUSANDS OF PIECES OF GLASS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Apr 18, 2010, crash
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 SPORT HAD AN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK , THE CAR SPED OUT OF CONTROL, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BECAUSE BOTH THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS WERE COMPRESSED. FINALLY CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL TO STOP THE CAR. *TR